Most of us here in America take for granted the religious freedom we have. We can choose to go to the church of our choice, drive or walk there, and come back after the service to our homes. We will not face ridicule or brave threats to do so. And many times we don’t attend church as faithfully as we should.
In many places around the world, this is not true. Even attending church is a huge step of faith. And for some, they pay the ultimate price for being identified as a Christian.
Artur Suleimanov, pastor of the several-hundred member Hosanna church in Makhachkala, Dagestan (a republic of Russia bordering Chechnya and Azerbaijan), was returning to his car to go home after a church function Thursday night, just three days ago. When he got into his car, a masked gunman shot him in the head and fled the scene. Just like that, having left the “House of Prayer” as their church building was named, he was ushered into the presence of Jesus Christ.
Pastor Artur had pastored this largest and first evangelical Christian church of mixed ethnicities (with many formerly-Muslim believers) since the late 1990s. Death threats and intimidation were the norm for him. He must have known he was a marked man, yet he faithfully shepherded his flock all the same.
By way of prayer requests, Barnabas Fund lists the following:
- That God will comfort and uphold Pastor Suleimanov’s family, and their large church family, in their distress and grief.
- That the murderer and all those behind this horrendous incident will be brought to justice, and that they will come to faith in the Lord Jesus.
- For protection over those attending Pastor Suleimanov’s funeral as well as the wider Church in Dagestan.
- That Christians will not be intimidated by this act of violence.
I would add that we pray for the few churches in Dagestan to be able to use this latest outbreak of persecution as a means for spreading the name of Christ throughout the region (cf. Acts 8:1-4). Pray also for their unity, protection for the remaining leadership, and wisdom.
Most of all, as you return home from your churches this morning, and other days throughout the next few weeks, please remember the persecuted church. Some are too afraid to even go to a church. Others risk their lives for doing so.
For more on the martyrdom of Artur Suleimanov see this article by Barnabus Fund.
Great post Bob. A good reminder that our freedoms from tyranny and fear in the U.S. are not the norm for 21st century christians.
Congrats to you and your wife. Beautiful baby!
Thanks Rick. Yes, American freedom of religion is an anomaly in the history of the Church. We so often forget that fact.